Total pages in book: 124
Estimated words: 119476 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 597(@200wpm)___ 478(@250wpm)___ 398(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 119476 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 597(@200wpm)___ 478(@250wpm)___ 398(@300wpm)
Ellis sobers and drops down into his chair. “I know, man. And in case I haven’t said it, I’m glad you’re okay—both of you.”
A knock interrupts us, saving me from trying to form a reply around the ball of emotion lodged in my throat.
“Come in,” Nora calls, her raspy voice sending chills down my spine. It’s a good thing that asshole is dead, because every time I look at my girl, I have half a mind to find a way to resurrect him just so I can kill him again.
The door swings open revealing Dr. Duplantier. I met her earlier while Nora was sleeping, and just as I expected, my girl already seems at ease in her presence.
“So good to see you awake,” she says, bustling into the room, marching straight to the computer next to Nora’s bed. “I’m Dr. Duplantier, but you can call me Dr. D. So, tell me, how are you feeling, dear?”
I don’t know what it is about her, but she radiates grandma energy, and it is exactly what Nora needs right now. Someone soft and caring.
Nora laughs, but this time, there’s not a drop of humor to be found. “Like I got hit by a bus.”
She smiles and pats Nora’s shoulder. “But you lived.”
Nora’s lips lift ever-so-slightly as she brings both of her hands to rest on her belly. “That I did.”
Dr. D’s eyes track Nora’s movements. “Worried about the baby, are you?”
She shrugs and then nods. “Atlas said he’s fine, but…”
“But you want to see for yourself.”
“If… if it’s possible. Yes, please.”
“Of course it is, my dear. I'll have them come by with a portable ultrasound machine before you’re discharged. I know if I was in your shoes, I'd feel the same way.”
“Discharged, like going home?” The spark of hope in Nora’s voice has me sitting up straight in my chair.
“That’s the plan. Assuming you have someone there who can care for you.” She cuts her eyes toward Ellis and me. “Concussion protocol and whatnot.”
“She does,” Ellis and I state in unison, no doubt confusing Dr. D. But like a true professional, she doesn’t comment on it.
Then again, I’m sure she’s witnessed far stranger things than the three of us.
“Okay,” Nora whispers, before sucking in a shaky breath. “Thank you.”
“Given the state you were brought to us in, you’re quite fortunate. As I mentioned, you have a mild concussion, which means you’ll need to limit not only your physical activity, but also your screen time—phones, computers, and television.”
“So, no Gossip Girl.” Ellis sighs, earning him a glare from Dr. D.
“Not for at least forty-eight hours,” she says in a no-nonsense voice that leaves even me feeling scolded. “Your discharge paperwork will include a list of things to watch out for; if you experience any of them, you’ll need to come back for further evaluation.”
Nora nods and the good doctor continues. “You also have a fractured wrist, which as I’m sure you’ve noticed is already splinted. However, you will require a follow-up with an orthopedist, who will most likely want to place it in a hard cast.”
“I call dibs on signing it first,” Ellis blurts, clearly stuck in kid mode. Guy’s going to be a helluva uncle, seeing as he’ll be about as mature as our son.
Dr. D shakes her head and rolls her lips inward to suppress her smile. “You’ll also want to follow up with your OB, just to be safe. And last, but not least, I highly suggest getting in with a therapist. You’ve been through quite an ordeal. If you don’t have anyone in mind, your discharge paperwork will have a few options listed.”
“I… I have someone,” Nora says. “Thank you, though.”
“Glad to hear it, dear. I’m going to let you rest while I get your paperwork sorted. Someone will be up soon for that ultrasound.”
“Thanks,” Nora murmurs, her eyelids already drooping.
The doctor steps out and quiet falls over the room, save for the beeping of the machine Nora’s hooked up to.
“Poor thing.” Ellis tips his head toward Nora, who’s out cold. “She’s gotta be exhausted.”
“Strongest damn person I’ve ever met.” Pride suffuses my every word as I watch the steady rise and fall of her chest as she sleeps.
“She really is,” Ellis agrees. “Smallest person I know, too. What’s that quote?”
“Small but mighty… I think it was Shakespeare.”
He nods. “Yeah, that’s your girl to a T.”
“I think…” I trail off, fidgeting in my chair as I try to find the right words. “I think maybe I should make an appointment with someone to talk to about all of this, too.”
Ellis scoots his chair to face me. “Glad you said it, because I’ve been trying to think about how to bring it up. I didn’t care for the shrink the department uses, so I found my own. Happy to give you his info.”